Say Hello to Emily Grace Bradley

Quick update while I have the time.  Our little baby girl, Emily Grace was born on Saturday 29th November at 2.15pm.  You can guess by the fact that it has taken a week to write this post, that this week has been very busy.  I know now why sleep depravation is used as a means of torture!!!

More updates when I have the time and energy!!!  In the meantime enjoy some photos.

just arrived

mammy's first cuddle

with Nana O'Connell

with Auntie Ciara

sleeping in Mammy's arms

with Granny and Granda Bradley

lost in her car seat

proud daddy

Tour of Duty

Since my last update we've completed the ante-natal classes, which culminated in a tour of the labour ward.  Very interesting, scary, hair-raising, intimidating, unnerving, plus many other adjectives that I wouldn't have room to fit in here.  But seriously, it was good to see where it will all happen and what all the various instruments will to be used for.  Good thing that the mid-wife mentioned the "white wellies" that the doctor will wear.  That could've been a bit strange to see on the day.  Our visit ended on a pleasant note.  As we left the delivery room, we were greeted by a "new" mother being wheeled out of her delivery room, followed by a white faced father wheeling their newly arrived baby in front of him.  The poor woman looked like she had just been through a war.  I'm sure that re-assured all the expectant mothers on our tour.

So what other things have been happening since my last post.

• we have almost got all of the things we need now for the baby.  Last week we picked up the nursing chair for Sinead.  We managed to get the display model, which meant that I didn't have to put it together - always a good thing, especially if we don't want it to fall apart.  We also got the baby monitor.  Have been fiddling around with it today to try and get it work - I think I have about half of it's features understood now!!!
  
• Nearly have got all of the nesting work done now.  Was on leather sofa cleaning duty over the weekend.  Wonder how long it will survive the baby (and dog)
  
• Speaking of Molly - check out her new haircut.  Look's so happy doesn't she?  I think she knows a big change is coming around here
  

• Here's my favourite clothes that we've got for the baby

boy or a girl, they'll be wearing it!!!

• Did an interesting course last week in Dublin.  Learned how to improve my reading speed (click here for details of the course).  Started the course at approx 250 words per minute, and after a weekend of practicing I'm up to 450 words per minute.  One of the best courses I've done in a long time.
  
• Sinead finishes work in just over 1 week from now.  Then we'll really be in the home straight.  Her doctor has offered to give her a sick certificate if she needs to finish a few days early.  She's going to see how it goes towards the end of the week and then make her mind up.  I think she's looking forward to finishing, as the last few weeks have been quite tiring.
  
• In my last post I thought my trip to Romania was my last overseas journey.  However I've been asked to go to Prague at the end of this week for 2 days.  That's definitely the last one till the new year, as November 14th was the cut-off date I gave my boss for travelling.  Have a few meetings in Dublin over the next few weeks, but at least I'm only a drive away if there is an emergency.

Time to go and get some dinner on.  Have to eat early, as Sinead's dad is calling up later to help me do some DIY (well it's not really DIY if he's helping, is it).

Kicker

So 6 weeks to go until our baby arrives.  It's getting close.  Just under 4 weeks until Sinead finishes work.

The last week or two have seen an increase of activity from inside Sinead.  What started as series of light flutters a few months ago, have now turned into massive thumps from within.  The other night Sinead asked me to put my hand on her belly.  What followed were a series of kicks and punches which gave me a real jump.  I'm still not used to it, and it's still a weird sensation every time I feel it.  God know how it feels for Sinead.

We've finally drawn up a shortlist of names.  While I was in San Francisco I drew up my list, and over the weekend Sinead finished her list.  Then we sat down and saw what names we had matching.  We are narrowed down to 9 boys and 6 girl's names, and over the next few weeks hope to narrow it down further.

Sinead's nesting is now officially moving into the next gear.  We are gradually working our way through the house and tidying up each room.  I spent last weekend cleaning the skirting boards and cupboards in the kitchen.  More to come this weekend

I'm writing this on the plane as I fly to Romania for a few days of meetings.  Met up with my dad this morning on my way to the airport, for a few hours.  He was down scouting a few football matches for his new team Fulham.  After a good number of years he has moved on from Charlton for a new challenge.  I think this might be my last trip before the baby arrives, although there is a chance that I might have to squeeze another one in, early November to the UK, to meet up with my new boss David.  Last week we had big changes at work.  Our team leader Stuart moved to a different position, and as a result there were some changes in the structure of our team.  Instead of reporting into Ditte, under Knowledge Management, I am now reporting into David and we are completely dedicated to the Web 2.0 project.  I'm happy with this as it will allow us to focus on our Web 2.0 initiatives.  Plus I've been working closely with David for the last 18 months and I get on really well with him.

I'll leave it at this for now.  Going to catch an episode of CSI New York on my laptop, before we land, and if I've time read a few chapters of my book.

So What's been happening

My last post was at the end of August and it has been a busy few weeks since then.  I'll try to review most of them here

• Sinead is now starting to show big time.  I should really post a picture on here but I think I'd be spending a few nights in the spare room if I did!!
  
• I attended my first antenatal class last week.  Sinead has been to a few already.  It was really interesting and the theme was around the different ways in which the baby can be delivered, and the various types of pain relief that are available.  We were given a good description of what an epiduarl  is all about, and I could see a lot of minds changing about whether they would get one.  Bottom-line though is that the mid-wife said not to rule anything out and to be prepared to go with the flow.  I think Sinead is a bit hesitant to go with the epidural, but let's see what happens.  This week we will be told about taking care of the baby, after the birth.
  
• We got a little bit more attention from our consultant.  On the last 2 visits, Sinead got to see him once.  He's ok, but I think Sinead much prefers visiting the mid-wife.
  
• There is a chance that Sinead might have to have a C-Section delivery, due to her low lying placenta.  Hope to find out more in the next few weeks and get confirmation.
  
• At the start of September I had to go in for an X-Ray as my lower back was playing up again.  It comes and goes but for around the last 4 years I get this occasional stiffness/pain on my lower back.  I can usually shift it with some stretches in the morning, but when it comes it's a real pain.  I think it's been caused by bad posture from sitting at desks, plus not doing proper warm-ups or warms-downs when I used to play football in the past.  Now I always make sure that I take regular breaks from my desk and do proper warm-ups and warm-downs before any sporting activity.  The X-Ray results came back fine.  The doctor has advised getting some physiotherapy in the near future.
  
• We finally got our en-suite bathroom finished yesterday.  We've been saving up money for the last year to get it re-tiled.  It looks great and we're really happy with it.  Now we just need to get the toilet, sink and shower put back in.
  
• Work has been really busy.  I was away for 2 weeks in mid-September to Nice in France and then to San Francisco.  Got a lot of good stuff done and made some good contacts on both trips.  I got an opportunity to do some sight-seeing in San Francisco.  You can see a collection of my photos at this link - http://frankbradley.tumblr.com/.  You can see some of my favourites at the end of this post.
  
• Still no word about a pay rise.  Starting to get a little bit worried about this now.  Called my manager again during the week and she said that she will be talking to her boss in the next week about this.  I hope they sort it out as the current economic climate does not appear to be the best time to look for a new job.
  
• We're off to Derry this weekend to visit my parents, my sister and her family.  It will probably be the last time we get up before the baby comes.
  
• Here are some of my favourite photos from my recent visits to Nice and San Francisco.

 

The Golden Gate Bridge	The view from my hotel in Nice
Lombard Street	San Francisco Cable Car
The Streets of San Francisco	San Francisco from the Golden Gate Bridge
	Alcatraz

Post from the Wilderness

It's been a few weeks since my last post, so I thought I'd give a quick update on what's happening in my world.

• The baby has started kicking - he/she started last week and I felt him/her for the first time a few days ago.  It was a weird sensation, almost like a nervous twitch in Sinead's belly.
  
• We've started discussing possible names.  Bought a book last week, and we're filtering out the ridiculous.  Over the next few weeks we hope to come up with a shortlist.
  
• We've been less than impressed with our Consultant.  We've visited 6 times now, and have only met him once.  The other 5 times, it's been the midwife (who has been really helpful).  If it doesn't improve we might try to negotiate for a partial refund
  
• I've passed my driving test at the second attempt :-)  Got short notice of a cancellation in mid August, and after a few days prep, I passed.
  
• We took a week off from work, last week.  Went away for a few days to County Clare (west Ireland), where it didn't stop raining from the minute we arrived till the minute we left.  Some high/low lights
• Nice hotel (Hotel Doolin).  Really small and intimate.  It was very easy to relax.  Internet and phone reception were very poor, so there was no temptation to go online.
• Lovely scenery - when the cloud lifted enough to see it
• The rain - will it ever stop.
• Sinead got stung by a wasp
• I got seasick on a boat trip, to see the Cliffs of Moher - which I hear are fantastic!!!  If you are ever in Country Clare check them out (if the weather is nice).
• One of the nicest meals we've had in a long time at Roadford House in Doolin

Some holiday photos

Bird's of Prey at the Aillwee Caves	Going Bear Hunting at the Aillwee Caves
waiting on the boat	getting sea-sick
The Cliffs of Moher, up close	outside the Hydro Hotel in Lisdoonvarna,

 

• The new football season has started!!!  A pretty average start by Man United.  We really need a striker, and I hope we get one before the transfer window closes tomorrow.
  
• Really enjoyed the Olympics.  It's the first one that I've really sat down and watched.  I guess the Sky+recorder made it much more accessible, as I could record the day's events and fast forward through whatever I didn't want to watch.

That's pretty much everything I can remember for now.  Plenty to look forward to over the next few weeks.  Back to work tomorrow, nice and refreshed and ready to go again.  I've got a replacement for my current role, so I'll be doing a lot of handover work during the next few weeks.  Hopefully by mid/late October I'll be able to concentrate 100% of my time on my Web 2.0 role.  Also looking forward to the annual salary review.  Hopefully my boss is able to sort something good out for me.  If not I'll have to seriously consider looking for something else, as we will effectively lose half of Sinead's income during her first 6 months of maternity leave, and all of it if she decides to take more time, which she would really like to do.

Have a lot of travel ahead of me this month.  Off to Germany at the end of this week for a few days, and then in mid September I've got about 10 days away as I go to a meeting in France and then off to San Francisco for Oracle Open World.

Of course it goes without saying that it's going to be a big few months now in the run up to the baby arriving in early December.  Looking forward to getting those last few things done around the house, buying in those last few baby essentials, but most of all really looking forward to meeting our new baby.

Fertility Problems

When we found out Sinead was pregnant I immediately started trawling the Internet for Blogs that would give me an insight to what was ahead of us.  One Blog however that I had been subscribed to for a long time beforehand, as we struggled to conceive (it took us almost 2 years), was this - http://xbox4nappyrash.blogspot.com/.  I have remained subscribed as there are usually some interesting posts, such as the one I read today - http://xbox4nappyrash.blogspot.com/2008/08/seventh-sense.html

Pets

Over the last few weeks we've been talking about how to introduce our dog (Molly) to the baby when it arrives.  Came across these interesting articles

Introducing your pet to a new baby - http://www.childbirthsolutions.com/articles/postpartum/newbaby/index.php

Raining cats and dogs – pets, pregnancy and your baby - http://www.netdoctor.co.uk/features/petsandbabies_003846.htm

Preparing your Dog for Your Newborn - http://www.saferpets.co.uk/DogsAndNewbornBabies.html

Watch out for those Knives

Just talked to a cousin on the phone last night who heard that Sinead was expecting.  When I told him that we were past the half way point, his response was that from now on I should look in the window before I go through the door, to make sure Sinead doesn't have any knives in her hand.  Considering he has 3 kids, I'm starting to get worried!!!!

21 Week Scan and Children's TV

Went for Sinead's latest scan yesterday and everything looks fine. This was an important scan as they look for any signs of potential issues such as poor spinal development, heart defects, or early signs of down syndrome. According to the midwife everything is showing as expected. The scans were much clearer this time, in fact we could see the little feet and hands very clearly this time. I'll post up some images once I get them scanned. Learned something interesting yesterday about the baby's heart. The heart of the foetus is completely different to the heart of a new born baby. When inside the womb the baby's heart has lots of tiny little holes, which only close over, once the baby takes it's first breath. Children who have holes in the heart, or murmurs, usually get this because the holes don't close up properly on the first breath.

On another note, while we were in the waiting room the TV channel was tuned into children's television. I don't know which was scariest the programmes or the advertisements. First we had Horrid Henry and then we were given Bratz. Then there were the ads. At one point even I was starting to crave for my very own Kung Fu Panda. Maybe some of my friends have it right. They don't let their kids watch any television, due to the ads, and get all their entertainment via DVDs.

That's all for now. Have a busy weekend ahead as we house-sit for Sinead's relatives who are all away of holidays. So it will be a weekend of leaving out bins, opening and closing windows across 3 houses. Talk later.

Bargain Hunting

Had a great weekend up in Derry, even though the weather wasn't the greatest - what's new!!! Travelled up on Thursday afternoon and got home at around 9pm (just over a 6 hour journey).

The wedding on Friday went really well, and it was the one day that the weather was great. There were around 300 people at the wedding which is the largest I've ever been too. Every time I mention that there were 160 people at our wedding, people are amazed, so when I mention this number people's jaws will hit the floor. The wedding was about 15 years in the making (long story), so I can kind of understand why there were so many people. I wouldn't like to be paying the bill though.

On Saturday we did some shopping for maternity wear. It went ok, however it was quite difficult to find any shops that stocked maternity clothes. Marks and Spencer's had none, Dunnes (an Irish shop) had none, and Next only did mail order. Sinead was eventually able to get some stuff in Topshop and in a few "small shops". Overall she was disappointed that the "big shops" didn't have any stock. We also picked up a bargain on a pram. We had priced a pram and car seat in Kilkenny at approx €600 (£480), however in Smyths toy-store we got the same set in a sale for €400 (£320). The set we went with was the Silver Cross 3D pram system, which we can use as a traditional pram when the baby is really small, and then converts into a buggy for when the baby gets older. The car seat goes with the set and it locks into the pram, so you don't have to wake up a sleeping baby when moving from the pram to the car - that's what it says anyway. Really pleased with that bargain.

We took it really easy on Sunday, and spent most of the day watching the tennis final - what a match. I used to watch and play a bit of tennis when I was younger, but kinda lost touch over the years. However that match was something else.

Back in Kilkenny now. We were both very tired last night, and were only fit for pizza and the last episode of Dr.Who, which I thought was a bit disappointing. I'm glad that the main writer (Russell T Davies) is stepping down, as i feel he hasn't done a great job with the show. It's promised so much, but the end of each season has always disappointed me. Very hopeful that the new guy (Steven Moffat) will do much better, as the stories that he has penned over the last few years have always been my favourites.

Shopping for Maternity Wear

Heading off to Derry this weekend, primarily to go to my cousin's wedding. It's about a 6 hour drive, so we're taking a half-day today (Thursday), and also taking Friday and Monday. As I haven't got my full driving license yet, Sinead will have to do most of the driving. I'll be able to do the first hour, but from then on it's either Motorways, or driving in the North, which I can't do on my learner's permit. Sinead is now at 18 weeks so I really hope to have my full license as soon as possible. I failed my first attempt in May (one stupid mistake), and I'm hoping to get another date in August. Fingers crossed that I'll pass this time.

In addition to the wedding it'll be great to spend some time with my parents, as well as my sister and her family. It'll be great too to see some of my aunts, uncles and cousins, who I don't see much of now since we moved to Kilkenny.

Also we want to take advantage of the difference in the Euro and Sterling, for Sinead to get some maternity wear. Her clothes are starting to get tight, so she wants to get some new clothes. Last week she bought some clothes for the wedding, and after comparing the price in Sterling, we can save a lot by buying in the shops this weekend. I'll let you know how we get on.

Anyway must get some breakfast in me. We're leaving at 1pm, and I need to walk the dog before starting work, and also finish up my packing.

Movie Review - Into the Wild

Over the weekend we watched a film called Into the Wild, which I really enjoyed. It's a true story about a young man who has just graduated and gives up everything, so that he can chase his dream of living in wilderness of Alaska.

A little on the long side, at just under two and a half hours, I thought it told the story quite well, and I'll definitely be checking out the book.

From the perspective of someone who is about to take the first steps into parenthood, it makes interesting viewing, as it explores the lead characters relationship with his parents, and how this influences his decision to travel to Alaska.

Moses basket

Our Moses basket arrived at the weekend. It's been in Sinead's family for almost 30 years and has done the rounds among all the family. Given that Sinead has 15 aunts & uncles, that's a lot of babies.


Of course it went straight up into the attic

Father's Day prayer

From our local Church's newsletter yesterday

Let us praise those fathers who have striven to balance the demands of work, and children with an honest awareness of both joy and sacrifice.

Let us praise those fathers who by their own account were not always there for their children, but who continue to offer those children, now grown, their love and support.

Let us pray for those fathers who have been wounded by the neglect and hostility of their children.

Let us praise those fathers whose children are adopted, and whose love and support have offered healing.

Let us praise those fathers who, as stepfathers, freely choose the obligation of fatherhood and earned their stepchildren's love and respect.

Let us praise those fathers who have lost a child to death, and continue to hold the child in their heart.

Let us praise those men who have no children, but cherish the next generation as if they were their own.

Let us praise those men who have "fathered" us in their role as mentors and guides.

Let us praise those men who are about to become fathers; may they openly delight in their children.

And let us praise those fathers who have died, but live on in our memory and whose love continues to nurture us.

What's that smell

Well I think we've deduced that Sinead's main issues to date during the pregnancy have been an over sensitive sense of smell, and tiredness. The smell issue seems to be the one that is bothering her most. As I mentioned in my last post it had just started becoming an issue, and now it's a full blown epidemic, especially in the kitchen!!

In the morning it's just the general smell in the kitchen that makes her want to throw up, so I open the windows when I get downstairs to air the place out.

The fridge is the big problem. Sinead is unable to open it at all as the smells are overwhelming. So each morning, I get her the milk out of the fridge so she can have breakfast before she leaves for work. All visits to the fridge during the evening are conduced by me. I don't know how she's got by the last few weeks, when I've been travelling so much with work. Everyone keeps saying that it should get better over the next few weeks.

Parental Leave

Sinead came across an interesting article in one of our national newspapers recently which gives a good overview of some of the issues facing working mothers/mothers to be.

The article was in response to recent comments by Alan Sugar on the UK version of The Apprentice


The reality is that some employers are hesitant to employ women in key roles," he said earlier this month. "Regretfully, there's concern in the back of their minds that women may not be a good choice because they may come with complications and have their work and career disrupted by family stuff."

The article goes on to look at the model in some other European countries, and suggests that giving equal leave rights to men, might be a solution.

You can read the full article here - http://www.independent.ie/business/pregnant-pause-1376461.html

Do you fall easily?

Sinead had her second scan today and everything showed up fine. The baby is developing as expected and the next visit will be for be for checks on spine and heart development.

During our visit the consultant asked Sinead the falling question "Do you fall easily". Now to understand the answer given, let me take you back to last night.

We went to the Bruce Springsteen concert in Dublin. It was excellent and a good time was had by all, despite the heavy winds and rain near the end of the show. After we parked our car, and were making our way into the show, Sinead stumbled (no drink honest!!) and ended up on her bum in the middle of the street. She was a bit worried about any damage that might have happened to the baby, so when the consultant asked the question today, her answer was "not normally, but I did fall last night at the concert". Of course he looked at us quite strangely and re-phrased his question to "did you fall pregnant easily". Cue red faces from the two of us.

We got another printout of the scan, and as soon as I run it through the scanner I'll post it. All in all a nice end to the week - I'm counting tomorrow as the first day of the week as we are back to work.

Some other news. I failed my driving test on Friday. I was like a bear for 2 days, as I felt I had done enough to pass. As usual Sinead threatened to kick my ass if I didn't snap out of it, and that seemed to do the trick. So if you're reading this Sinead, I'm sorry for being a grumpy boots on Friday and Saturday. I've reapplied for the test and hope to have another crack at the whip in a few months. Speaking of whips and cracking, we saw the new Indiana Jones film on Friday night and I really enjoyed it. I'd probably rank in number 3 out of the series. #1 is Raiders of the Lost Ark; #2 Temple of Doom and #4 The Last Crusade.

Hope you enjoyed the update, going to finish cleaning the kitchen. In the last 2 weeks every time Sinead goes into the kitchen, she is getting sick due to a bad smell, which we haven't been able to track down. The fact that I can't smell it isn't helping, so we've been cleaning out various parts of the kitchen to see if we can find the cause. Tonight it's the turn of the fridge.

Some messages from Friends

From Paul Kearney (cousin and our Best Man)
Big Congrats my Good man. Fair play to both of you!

From Aileen O'Mahoney (my friend from University days, now living in Belfast)
Knew it. Fab news. Delighted for both of you.

Brendan O'Hea (my oldest friend since I was 4. Now living in England, married with 2 children)
In response to my question asking for advice and tips. Sell a kidney and have as many lie ins between now and then as possible. That's fantastic news. Over the moon for both of you.

Andy Murphy (friend from my time in Dublin. Shared a room with him the weekend I met Sinead)
I knew she (Sinead) was pregnant buddy! Shauna put 2 and 2 together when you were in Derry. That's great news.

Brendan Kearney (cousin from Derry)
That's great news lad, really delighted for both of you and hope all is well. Had my suspicions when Sinead wasn't drinking on my birthday. Take care of her and make sure she doesn't do any housework or lift anything heavy

Russ Black (friend from University, now living in Harrogate. Married and has a newly arrived baby, a few month old)
Great news, many congrats. Get plenty of sleep in. Pass on our regards to Sinead.

Daniel Kearney (cousin living in Belfast)
That's great news. Congrats to both of you.

Breda Broderick (friend from Dublin. Married with 3 boys, all under 3 years old)
This is truly wonderful news. He or she is a very lucky baby with both of you as parents. God bless all 3 of you.


Got loads of well wishes from friends and colleagues in work as well, including David, Zsofia, Ditte, Stuart and John.

What a night

Oh Boy, what a night. I really thought we had blown it. Those penalties put about 10 years on me, in the space of about ten minutes. At the end I was watching it behind the sofa, with a bottle of whiskey in my hand. Bit of a sore head this morning.

Get in there!!!!

Match report

The World now knows

So Sinead had her first scan last week, on Thursday to be precise. It was amazing to hear the heartbeat and to see the movements especially when the nurse zoomed in. We could see the little arms moving about, and apparently he/she was standing on his/her head.

I sat there not saying much, feeling a bit like a spare tool with nothing to do. I guess the important thing was to be there for Sinead in case she needed me (if anything was wrong). Thank God anyhow that everything seems to be well, and the nurse seemed to be very pleased with the progress. Our next appointment is next week, the day after the Bruce Springsteen concert. We will be staying in my friend Jim's house, in Dublin, on the Sunday night and will probably leave early enough to make our appointment in the afternoon.

As you may have noticed I'm referring to my wife by her full name now - Sinead. After the scan we started telling our friends the news, so I feel more comfortable revealing our identities online now. In a later post I'll write more about the both of us, how we met etc. I was asked recently by one of my work colleagues if I was superstuious (for not telling anyone till after the first 3 months). I guess we kind of are, however it is a very cultural thing here in Ireland (not to say anything during this 3 month period). In addition we also felt that statistically the first 3 months are the most likely for something to go wrong, and we didn't want to be in the uncomfortable position of telling people bad news if something did go wrong. That's not to say everthing is still going to be ok, far from it. I'm still lighting a candle every Sunday after mass, to Mary, that she will look after Sinead and our baby during these coming months.

In case I forget, I promised in my last post for more details on whether we went with Public or Private care. We finally decided to go Private, as we were having some trouble conceiving and just felt more comfortable going this way. It's going to stretch us a little financially, but we did our sums beforehand and are prepared to make a few sacrifices to help us afford it.

I've a few text replies to our news, from friend's that I will share in my next post.

Our Baby - First scan

Here's the first picture. Hope you can make him/her out. Taken on Thuraday 15th May 10.14am. Click picture to enlarge

Follow, Follow. We're going to Moscow

We'll if we can get tickets

Man Utd 1 Barcelona 0

Busy few Weeks

It's just been over 2 weeks since my last post. I guess it's a combination of being new to blogging and having been really busy at work. Not to mention getting used to the idea that a baby is on its way!!

I'm writing this on Sunday evening 27th April in a hotel just outside Reading in England. Flew over this afternoon after a visit home to see my parents. We made a decision to tell them our news even though we're only 2 months in. Given that we had to go to a party on Friday night and my sister is visiting us next week, it was proving difficult to come up with elaborate lies, as to why S wasn't having a drink. Needless to say they were delighted for us, especially as they were aware we had been having problems conceiving for the last 18 months.

So as it stands, my parents, my sister and her husband, and S's mother are the only people that know our news. We will tell the rest of S's family in the next few days.

Over the weekend we told so many lies, no more so than to one of my good friends from University days. We spent the night with her family in Belfast on Thursday (on our way to Derry). Most of the conversation was about babies, but myself and S decided not to say anything, as it means there won't be the need for any explanations if things go wrong. Needless to say that my friend will be the first to know at the end of May. Also we owe an explanation to my cousin, whose birthday party we went to on Friday night. We stayed until closing time in the bar, but didn't go to the house party because of S's 'ear infection'. At this stage I need a diary to keep track of who we need to apologise to. Another person is my good friend in Dublin who has been doing research for us on good fertility doctors!!!

Overall had a great weekend. We went for a drive on Saturday to Donegal and met up with my cousins at Dunree Fort. Well worth a visit if you are in the area.

Well my sandwiches have arrived. So I'll finish up for now. Going to have a bath before bed, and then watch an episode of Star Trek DS9. Will post later about our decision to go Private or Public with regards to hospital care.

Interesting Article

This article was printed in the Irish Independent today - Our baby heartache ... and happiness

Interesting as we had considered scheduling an appointment with Dr.Boyle, prior to finding out S was pregnant. The more I read into it, the more convinced I am that IVF is a money making racket.

It's official

So as of last Wednesday it's official we're having a baby. S went to the doctor in the morning and inside 20 minutes she had confirmation that she was indeed pregnant. For some reason I thought it would take hours to do the tests.

Wednesday just happened to be my day in the office (I work from home 3 days a week), so I got the call at about 9.20am. I guess the 99% accuracy of the home pregnancy test fell in our favour this time.

I think the reality has gradually started to sink in as the week progressed and especially at the weekend. We had a family event to attend, where of course there were lots of questions about why S wasn't drinking. She brushed them off, by saying that she was on meds for an ear infection. There is a kind of tradition here in Ireland that people don't announce their pregnancy until the first 3 months of the term is up. It helps avoid any explanations if things go wrong - the first 3 months I guess are the most risky. This explains why I refer to my wife as S. If/when we get over the 3 month mark (end of May), I'll start using her full name.

Pregnant

So it was the middle of last week and S tells me that on Friday she'll reach day 32 of her cycle. So we buy a test on Friday night and do the test on Saturday morning. Don't think it has set in yet. I've had to send S the picture I took on Saturday morning so that she doesn't think it was a dream.

So what did we do on the day we found out this news. Well S helped her mother run a book sale for a local charity, and I did house cleaning duty. Went to the pub to watch the football and then we had dinner together (some chicken Fajitas!!).

Watched the 1940s movie "The Philadelphia Story" in the evening. It wasn't great. Thought it would have been better, but maybe the day caught up with us, as we were both struggling to stay awake.